THURSDAY October 8, 2026
Suffering for Doing Good
...having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:16-17
Let me ask you, “Does God sometimes allow us to go through times of suffering?” The answer is, “Yes, He does.” I ask you another question, “Have you ever had your character defamed?” That is not easy, especially when you know that you have done nothing wrong in the sight of God. Your conscience is clear. Know that, as you suffer wrongfully, God will ultimately use it for good. Those who have reviled you will be ashamed.
I assure you, God is always in control of the situation over both men and the circumstances. Hold on to Paul’s words in Romans 8:31: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Seriously, we do not have to worry or fear. Our enemies might try to hurt us, but, in reality, they cannot really harm us. Why? Christians are spiritual people––we are not of this world. Put your faith and trust in the Lord. Then during every crisis in your life, you will see that it will turn out for your good and, in turn, become an opportunity to share Christ with others.
Further on in Peter’s letter, he gave us this thought: Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: (1 Peter 4:12). Fiery trials are normal, not abnormal! In light of knowing this, what attitude are we to have while enduring trials? We are to ...rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. Peter continued, If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part, He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. ... Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Peter ends: ...what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:13-14; 16-17). What will be your end?
Mark then, Christian, Jesus does not suffer so as to exclude your suffering.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
